Compaq Presario SR5130NX Desktop Review and Ratings

Editors’ Rating:

Our Verdict:
The attractive Compaq Presario SR5130NX has the middling performance you'd expect for its $499 price, but it should suit undemanding users don't expect to upgrade it much. Read More…

What We Liked…

Attractive case

Decent configuration

Includes Vista Home Premium

What We Didn’t…

1GB of RAM barely enough for OS

Some limited expansion options

Compaq Presario SR5130NX Desktop Review

By Matthew Murray, reviewed July 31, 2007

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Lately, it seems like all of Hewlett-Packard's computers have undergone a paradigm shift in terms of design, and the Compaq Presario SR5130NX is no different. Our $499 test unit was stylishly engineered, with a colored and curved front panel that is surprisingly eye-catching. It is, if anything, a nice way to dress up the performance you'd expect at this price.

Our PC was otherwise a no-frills model, though we didn't feel we were missing out on much. The front panel of the SR5130NX features two USB ports, a headphone jack (to complement the SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe), and a 15-format flash-memory-card reader. The mic jack is inconveniently placed on the rear panel.

The SR5130NX isn't built for specialized computing. Its components—which include a 2GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 200GB hard drive—suggest a generalist bent. The included Windows Vista Home Premium seems extravagant for a configuration like this, especially without an extra 1GB of RAM to ensure smooth performance or a TV tuner for taking advantage of Vista's Windows Media Center functionality. Joining Vista are a number of other programs, including Roxio Easy Media Creator, RealPlayer, Microsoft Works, AOL, and a trial version of Symantec's Norton Internet Security.

Otherwise, the SR5130NX is a thoughtfully designed and built system. It offers some room for future expansion with one free PCI slot, two free PCI Express slots (one x1, one x16), four USB ports, and space for another internal hard drive or another 5.25-inch external device. The PC lacks any free Serial ATA ports or memory bays, however, which means you'll have to carefully plan any upgrades. HP offers a one-year parts-and-labor warranty.

Overall, the SR5130NX is a sensible choice for budget buyers, both for the way it looks now and its potential down the line.